Moscow, April 9, 2013
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Thus, in the 2012 report devoted to health care issues in Europe, it was stated that Moldova was recognized as the heaviest drinking country. On average, each Moldovan drinks over 20 litres of alcohol per year. Luxembourg comes second and Estonia closes the top three.
But it is noteworthy that Russia is in the middle of this list—in the twentieth place. It appears that Russian citizens, on average, consume just over 10 liters per year. Approximately the same amount is consumed annually by citizens of Denmark, Great Britain and Croatia. Turkey and Tajikistan were mentioned among the countries that drank the least. Also, little alcohol is consumed in Scandinavian countries—Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
And the Russian president Vladimir Putin is himself an example for imitation. The head of state allegedly hardly drinks at all. The Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is indifferent to alcohol as well. On State visits he is usually seen with a glass of mineral water or, very seldom, with a glass of white wine.
At present the Russian authorities are engaged in a serious campaign against the excessive consumption of alcohol. Thus, the sale of alcoholic drinks has been banned at night while a ‘"zero per thousand" standard has been introduced for motorists. Now the deputies of the State Duma are discussing introducing a ban on the consumption of strong drinks on airplanes. These measures are already beginning to bear fruit. According to World Health Organization's information, the number of Russians who drink several times a week has declined to 5%. Also, the number who drink several times a month has declined to 33%. It may now boldly be said that for Russians sobriety has become the norm.
